FCC Announces Membership of the Task Force On Optimal PSAP Architecture

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Thomas Wheeler has appointed members to the Task Force on Optimal Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Architecture (TFOPA or Task Force). The members represent a mix of viewpoints from state, tribal and/or local government agencies and organizations; Federal government agencies; communications service providers and organizations representing them; 911/NG911 system service providers; public interest organizations; and other experts.

The Task Force is directed to study and report findings and recommendations on PSAP structure and architecture in order to determine whether additional consolidation of PSAP infrastructure and architecture improvements would promote greater efficiency of operations, safety of life, and cost containment, while retaining needed integration with local first responder dispatch and support.

The first meeting of the Task Force is tentatively scheduled to take place on January 26, 2015.

Task Force duties may include studying and reporting on:

• Optimal PSAP system and network configuration in terms of emergency communications efficiency, performance, and operations functionality;
• Cost projections for conversion to and annual operation of PSAPs that incorporate such optimal system design;
• Comparative cost projections for annual maintenance of all existing PSAPs annually and upgrading them to NG911;
• Recommendations on ways to ensure states use E911 funds for their intended purpose;
• Whether states that divert E911 funds should be ineligible to participate on various FCC councils, committees, and working groups.